In a strategic move to accelerate sustainable development in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav on Thursday, requesting expedited environmental clearances for key hydroelectric and tourism infrastructure projects. Highlighting the urgent need to reduce the state’s reliance on external electricity sources, CM Dhami emphasized Uttarakhand’s vast potential for clean, green hydropower. He stressed that swift approvals are essential not only for boosting energy self-reliance but also for creating jobs and curbing migration from remote hill regions.
The Chief Minister reiterated Uttarakhand’s commitment to environmentally responsible development, noting that over a dozen hydro and tourism-related projects are pending clearance despite incorporating modern safeguards and environmental assessments. These projects aim to enhance local employment opportunities while aligning with national climate goals.
Dhami also urged fast-tracking of eco-tourism and pilgrimage infrastructure projects, especially across the Char Dham and other high-altitude destinations. Proposed initiatives include ropeways, trekking trails, and sustainable accommodations designed to improve safety and accessibility for pilgrims and adventure tourists while preserving fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav assured support, stating that the Ministry would prioritise proposals that promote sustainable growth and benefit local communities. The meeting underscores a broader national effort to balance infrastructure development with ecological conservation, especially in climate-sensitive Himalayan regions.
